The Process of Crowning and Delivery
During childbirth, the baby goes through the process of crowning and delivery. As the baby approaches the mother’s vaginal opening, the head extends back, allowing it to rotate under and around the pubic bone. This rotation is crucial for a safe delivery.
At this stage, the head becomes visible at the vaginal opening, which is known as crowning. In some cases, the attending healthcare professionals may determine that an episiotomy is necessary. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made vertically or at an angle to widen the vaginal opening in order to facilitate childbirth. However, it is important to note that episiotomies are less common today than in the past.
Once the baby’s head is visible, the final push from the mother delivers the newborn. The healthcare provider will support the emerging head and ensure that the baby turns naturally to one side. At this point, the doctor or midwife will suction any amniotic fluid, mucus, and blood from the baby’s nose and mouth to ensure clear breathing.
Contractions continue, and as the baby moves further down the birth canal, the top shoulder starts to appear from under the pubic bone. Once the shoulders are delivered, the rest of the infant’s body follows easily, completing the delivery process.
The Process of Cutting the Umbilical Cord
Once the baby is delivered, the medical professional in charge clamps and subsequently cuts the umbilical cord. This procedure leaves behind a stump that eventually dries up and naturally separates from the baby’s body within a span of five to 15 days. Typically, doctors prefer to wait for approximately five minutes after birth before performing the cord-clamping and cutting. Recent research published in the Journal of Pediatrics has further supported the notion that delaying the cord-cutting process by five minutes not only has beneficial effects on the newborn’s brain but also leads to higher levels of ferritin, which are the storage proteins for iron.